FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS & DRILLS

THE PASS

Set your Goals

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to

• identify the different types of passes

• execute the proper way of receiving/catching the ball
• demonstrate properly the different kinds of pass as well as catching
the ball that comes from a pass
• show alertness in executing the drills in passing and receiving

Expand your Knowledge

THE PASS

The pass is the cornerstone of every player's game. It is the first

contact of a team with balls coming from the opponent's serve, spike, tip or
volley. Pass is the most frequently used skill in volleyball. A good passer is a
valuable member in a team. He is called a "passing machine". He can easily
and consistently direct the ball to where the setter is He contributes to make
the offense work efficiently. A good pass increases the options of the setter
for more combination attacks for his team. Even mediocre setters can be
successful, and will look good making hittable sets from good passes.

The bump pass or dig pass is commonly used to pass a served ball. It
is called the bump pass because the player bumps the ball everytime contact is
made with the forearms from a low position.
MECHANICS OF THE BUMP OR DIG PASS

Grip Choose a grip to hold hands together so the player can lock
his/be elbows. Find a suitable grip with which the player is comfortable. The
wrists drop and are "hyper extended down" to create a consistent platform

Grip # 1 - Hold the flat of one hand with the other hand, and place
the thumbs side by side.

Grip #2 - Wrap one hand around the other (hold in fist), and place the
thumbs side by side.

Grip #3 - Put the left hand between the right index and middle
fingers, then bring the thumbs side by side. (Try this grip for receiving served
balls).

Platform

1. Form a good platform by keeping the forearms locked together

working as one.
2. Think of the arms as a 2x4 piece of wood straight with a flat surface.
3. The closer the player can place his/her arms together, the easier it will
be for him/her to pass well.

Body Position

1. The legs are bent with knees in front of the toes.

2. The feet should always form a stable base.
3. In passing serve to the setter, "the right foot lead' stance is used to
direct the ball to where the setter is.
4. The body should always be in line to the flight of the incoming ball.
5. The right foot forward stance will help the preparatory move for the
pre-contact easier and more efficient.
6. The lower the player gets to receive the ball, the higher is his/her pass
trajectory toward the setter. This is very useful in receiving serves that
are short or serve the net.
Contact

1. The ball is contacted two to four inches above the wrists.

2. The arms and wrists should be as flat as possible, and made into a
consistent surface. The more consistent the surface is, the more the
player makes consistent and better passes.

Follow-Through

1. The arms after contact may have a slight follow through towards the
ball's flight.
2. Hand driven ball needs a slight "cushioning' at contact.

Setting/Overhead Passing

To set is to use the skill of overhead passing, to put a ball for the
spiker to attack. The overhead pass is preferred to the forearm pass because
there is more control, and is more accurate. It may also be used to deliver a
third contact over the net to the opponents if an attack is not possible.

MECHANICS OF THE OVERHEAD SET/PASS

1. Establish a stable position. The feet about shoulder width apart and
one foot slightly forward.
2. The body is slightly bent forward.
3. The hands should be in front and above the forehead.
4. A triangle is formed by the thumbs and the index, and middle fingers
of both hands through which the wrists really push the ball. The ring
and little fingers give the extra control.
5. Contact the ball with the pads of the fingers. Try to produce the
"trampoline effect" every time contact is made.
6. If possible always face the target with the whole body.
7. For follow through, extend the body and the arms after contact in the
direction that it is aimed.